DEVELOPMENTAL CRISIS IN EARLY ADULTHOOD: A ...

“But I am going for jobs for different reasons now, for security in terms of there
being a need for that kind of profession, I think there will always be a need for
lecturers, and also a need for plumbers. But also to do something that I get a lot out
of, other than money. Obviously lecturers don’t get paid an awful lot of money, but I
thoroughly enjoy the job. The people I work with are decent people as well, they are
generally kind and decent people…I enjoy going to work.” (p.6)
The affective experience of Phase 4 is one of feeling happier, more satisfied, more
genuine and more fulfilled. With the new-found intrinsic orientation comes the
experience of enjoyment and happiness in the day-to-day role-based activities.
The self in Phase 4 is frequently described as having metamorphosed from the
pre-crisis self. With the benefit of hindsight, individuals often report a sense of
separation from an old self:
“The person of that period and the person now are different people and it was a
tremendous learning experience.” (Rachel, p.8)
“I would say that we are two completely different people, I’ve separated from that
person.” (Gemma, p.9)
“I think I became a different person.” (Ben, p.7)
Rob uses the term “rebirth” to describe the change, saying “my desires and focuses
have completely changed” (p.9), while Guy refers to himself prior to his crisis as “my
previous incarnation.” (p.5), suggesting an experience of rebirth too. The inner
developments that do occur as a result of crisis are generally reported in positive
terms, and involve an appraisal of enhanced inner strength, empathy and generosity.
A typical synopsis of these developments is given by Camilla:
“I’m a much better person for it, as well, I think I have got a lot more substance to
me, I’m no longer a flighty, happy-go-lucky, fun-time girl, I’ve got a lot more insight
into real life and I don’t know, what doesn’t kill you makes you grow, kind of thing.
I’m going back to college, I’m doing a degree, I am doing positive things, this is
where I want to be. My career is just perfect at the moment, I couldn’t ask for
anything else, so it’s changed me for the better.” (p.8)
Frances says she thinks that living through crisis brings a more “generous” nature,
along with a new “toughness”. George says it made him “stronger”:
“I’ve moved on as a person, and grown through that. And it’s not something you can
read in a book, I had to go through that for that sort of strength, for that courage, I
suppose.” (p.6)
Claire expressed a similar sentiment by way of metaphor:
“And crisis is a great gift because it throws you out of it [a narcissistic mindset], and
you stand stark naked in the freezing wind, and you go wooh, shit! I don’t like that.
But you are still alive, and you start to discover that you have got inner strength that
is going to get you through. So you start to dig deeper and you end up with a broader
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